Kalen DeBoer: We Have to Continue to Build

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- On Monday, Kalen DeBoer addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming homecoming matchup against the Missouri Tigers. Before looking ahead, he took the time to analyze and address the mistakes made in the recent loss against Tennessee.

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DeBoer spoke about the challenges faced by the team, particularly focusing on the offense's inability to capitalize on takeaways. "We just wasted plays, and got ourselves behind the chains, not able to have our full offense available on every play. We were good at that early in the season. We've got to get back to taking advantage of those opportunities playing off the defense, and those momentum swings, keeping them on our side when those times come. Credit the defense, a couple times in a row they've gotten the ball loose or have made some interceptions. Again, we've got to play team football and make those opportunities pay off."

A big question since the Tennessee loss, was if Jalen Milroe was playing while hurt. DeBoer gave his quarterback credit and lifted him with praise, saying, “I think at this point during the year, I don’t think there’s many guys that play a lot of snaps that don’t have something and just working through it, but he’s more than capable and as he goes through the week you know you’re just ready to play on Saturday. There’s nothing that’s going to be holding him back from going out there and helping us get a win. I’m confident of that."

DeBoer also discussed Milroe's progress and the learning curve he has faced, "I’m pleased with a lot of the things he’s done, the way he’s really wanted to learn the offense, our system. I think there’s always a management of a game that goes between coaching staff and your quarterback because he’s the ultimate guy on the field that runs the show. I think, when you asked if there’s a learning curve, I think there always is. I think it continues. But, obviously, we’re halfway through the season. We got to make sure we continue to do things he’s comfortable with, which I think he’s comfortable with, you know, everything we ask him."

As the team prepares for the crucial homecoming game, DeBoer's focus remains on correcting past mistakes and ensuring that the team is ready to go to work, "I still feel like, (with what)  my experiences have been, there’s too much football yet. And maybe the last week you try and give some perspective. There’s so many things that can change between now and then. So that’s really, as Kane had said, that’s really where our focus is at is just on this game, 1-0. I already heard in the locker room from our players. They understand the big picture is one thing. In order to make the big picture relevant, we have to take care of what’s in front of us. We have to continue to build, do what the championship teams do, build on championship-caliber teams do, build on your belief, build on your intensity and everything that you do. And then just have some grit. If you look across the championships that have been won in this program, obviously I wasn’t a part of them, but there’s probably a lot of common things that I just mentioned that are you know right there. I firmly believe this team is capable of that. We just got to jump over that line, that is a fine line, of winning and losing, what it takes to be great," said DeBoer regarding staying focused.

For all updates leading up to the matchup against Missouri, stay updated through Tide 100.9.